Sciatica and Lower Back Pain - How Chiropractic Can Help

Have you ever experienced shooting pain down the back of your leg? If you have, you may have had a condition known as sciatica. Sciatica occurs when there is pressure on the sciatic nerve. The pressure irritates the nerve which causes pain in the low back and radiates down the back of the leg all the way to the foot. 

What is the sciatic nerve?

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower spine and goes down the back of the leg. The sciatic nerve functions to provide sensation to the skin to a large portion of the leg and foot. It also controls muscles of the leg and foot. 

What are some causes of pressure on the sciatic nerve?

• disc herniation - a condition caused by the intervertebral disc between vertebrae of your spine protrudes out
• degenerative disc disease - breakdown of the intervertebral disc, which decreases the space in the spine for nerves to exit
• spinal stenosis - narrowing of the spinal canal
• spondylolisthesis - slipping forward of the vertebra, usually after an injury
• piriformis syndrome - tightening of the piriformis muscle in the gluteal region. The sciatic nerve pierces this muscle, and tight muscles compress the nerve
• spinal restriction - occurs when a vertebra is not moving properly
• pregnancy - altered biomechanics, increased strain on the low back

What can a chiropractor do to help me?

Initially, the chiropractor will go through a complete health history and performing some tests to determine the cause of the sciatica. If it is determined that the cause of the sciatica is one that can be treated non-invasively and conservatively, the chiropractor can begin a treatment immediately to get you on the path to recovery.

Adjustments performed to the area of restriction gently restore motion to the area and realigns the area. This allows for pressure to be taken off of the sciatic nerve and proper nerve function to be restored. 

Soft tissue work to the areas of tightness in the gluteal region decrease the muscle spasm, which also takes pressure off of the sciatic nerve as it passes through the piriformis.

Can I do anything at home?

Some great home therapies that you can do are ice, foam roll, and stretch. Icing the low back reduces inflammation in the area and decreases the pain. Sitting on a foam roller, or even a golf ball, find tender spots and hold there until pain dissipates. Stretching the low back and gluteal region will also decrease the muscles tightness in the area and provide relief from the pain. After an adjustment, the chiropractor can show you some stretches to do to keep the area loose. 

Give us a call and we would be happy to help!